06 Jan BEST ICE SKATING SPOTS IN THE NETHERLANDS
The one question we ask ourselves when it becomes (really) cold outside; where can we ice-skate this season? Well, there are plenty of places where you can show off your ice-skating skills (or not). We’ve selected seven.
*ICE Amsterdam (back in 2024/2025)
The most famous and picturesque ice skating ring in the Netherlands for sure. It’s usually packed with tourists but it’s still worth going for that matter. This year however, they didn’t get the permit on time, so ICE will be back next winter!
Het Glijfestijn
This winter, the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam opens its doors for the first time for The Glide Fest! The historic site of gold medals, world records and Olympic victories. From February 10 to 25, 2024, it will also be the place where we will take to the ice together.
Ice Ring underneath an aircraft
Oh yes, it doesn’t get more unique than this! Right next to the Corendon Village Hotel, you’ll find one of the largest aircrafts; the boeing 747. Last year it was cancelled due to Covid, but this year they have re-opened! There wil be live music and a X-mas market. One hour skating including skates will cost 11 euro. Come and take a look!
Schaatsbaan Rotterdam
Probably one of the coolest indoor ice-skating rinks in the Netherlands! With rainbow lighting on the ceiling, you can skate for 400 meters in some sort of a tunnel which makes it a unique experience. If the weather allows it, the sides of the tunnel can be opened. That way you have the experience of outdoor skating with the advantages of the inside. schaatsbaanrotterdam.nl
Jaap Edenbaan, Amsterdam
Let’s start with the most important news; you can skate on the outside 400-meter track! And that is nice, because exercising outside is always a good thing. Moreover, this is the only outside ice-skating ring in this list! Even more reason to visit, because there is nothing like some ice-skating with a red nose from the cold and the December sunshine on your face. Good to know; especially for families there are special ICE FUN hours. During these hours speeding is not allowed, so children and parents can enjoy the ice without any worries. jaapeden.nl
IJsbaan Haarlem
Near Amsterdam, you’ll find the Ice-rink of Haarlem. It’s indoor and you can rent ice-skates like most other places on this list. Combine a visit to this place with a walk around in Haarlem or visit cute town Santpoort where you can walk around in the forest.
Cool Event, Scheveningen
This ice rink will show off again on the Kurhausplein from December 5th, to February 11th. For kids: Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen have the skates ready for a real ‘meet and greet’. Big and small, young and old, families and children are all welcome to the nicest outing of the year. Reservations for the ice rink are recommended and cost are €7,50 per person ex skate hire.. cooleventscheveningen.nl
De Scheg, Deventer
Equally fun is De Scheg ice skating rink in Deventer. Enjoy this indoor ice-skating rink of 400 meters that is also open for free skating at various hours. Rules and reservations apply, so check the website for more info. sportbedrijfdeventer.nl/descheg
Best Ice-skating on Natural Ice Netherlands
And of course, if temperatures hit below zero for a few days, it’s possible to ice-skate on natural ice in the Netherlands! Mind you, this is rare and only happens every couple of years! Our favourite natural ice-skating spots are:
- Dwarsgracht (near Giethoorn)
- Loodsrechtse Plassen, Loodsrecht
- Vinkeveense Plassen, Vinkeveen
- Oostvaarderplassen
- Molenpolder, Utrecht
- Weerribben, Overrijssel
- The Amsterdam canals of course!
Ice skating on the Amsterdam canals a few years ago
Happy ice-skating!
Wander-Lust
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Posted at 14:18h, 24 January[…] Ice skating or sleighing is the best way to enjoy the frozen lakes, rivers, ponds, or water canals during winter in The Netherlands. When temperature drops below zero for several days, the whole country gets busy in enjoying its favourite winter sport, while drinking warm chocomelk (or chocolate milk) or Glühwein. The beautiful ice skating rinks in The Netherlands include the skating rink Rotterdam, ice rink Scheveningen, skating rink in Breda, skating rink in canals or in front of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and floating skating rink in Leiden. Interested to learn more? Check out the best skating spots in The Netherlands in this link. […]